National 4-H and TSC Partnership: Marketing and Fundraising Opportunities

National 4-H Council is thrilled to announce that we are partnering with Tractor Supply Company (TSC) on a multi-year, multi-faceted cause marketing and sponsorship program! TSC will provide support to 4-H nationally and locally through various retail fundraising events, such as Paper Clover Promotions, and offer special discounts and other opportunities to 4-H’ers.

Following are some of the exciting components of this program:

• 4-H Memory Contest – Win a TSC gift card by submitting your favorite 4-H memory, visit the TSC website to learn more.
• Out Here with Animals Event (Oct. 2, 2010) - Kick off National 4-H Week at your local TSC by participating in Out Here with Animals! See FAQ for more information.
• Fall Paper Clover Promotion (November 5-14, 2010) – Save-the-date, more information coming soon!
• TSC Reusable Bags (In-stores now!) – See FAQ for more information.

The FAQ provides all current information but more details are still to come.

If your group is interested in doing a promotional event at TSC, especially during the upcoming National 4-H Week, please contact the office for our local TSC contact's information.

4-H Silent Auction at Fair

We are planning on holding a Silent Auction at Fair again this year. If your club or group would like to donate items to this auction, please complete an Item Submission form. We use this to make pre-sale tickets to start the bidding before Fair.

4-H Paper Clover Promotion

What: A national 4-H promotion to 1) raise funds for, and 2) increase awareness of 4-H programs
When: March 26 – April 18, 2010
Who: Partnership between 4-H and Tractor Supply Centers (Plattsburgh’s store is participating)

How it Works:
People who visit a Tractor Supply Center during the promotion period donate $1.00 for a Paper Clover to support 4-H, and sign their name on the Clover which is then displayed in the store. At the completion of the promotion, all funds generated are sent by Tractor Supply Centers to National 4-H Council. 60% of the funds raised in each state is distributed to the 4-H program in the participating counties; 10% goes to the NYS 4-H Foundation; 30% goes to National 4-H Council for leading and managing the promotion. Each participating county 4-H program will receive 60% of the funds generated in the Tractor Supply Center(s) located in your county.

Who Does What:
Each Tractor Supply Center will receive a Tool Kit that includes the paper clovers, promotional materials, and a guidebook. Each store will promote and manage the promotion in their location.

CCE 4-H programs are encouraged to work collaboratively with their local store(s) to promote the program.

The NYS 4-H Foundation agrees to coordinate the program in NY, and distribute funds to county 4-H programs following the promotion.

National 4-H Council initiates and promotes the partnership with Tractor Supply Center, provides promotional and support materials, and collects and redistributes funds to states.


How Your 4-H Program Can Participate:
1. Let our office know you are interested in this promotional activity. The best way to increase paper clover sales is to have a group of 4-H members at the store promoting 4-H.

2. Contact the identified Tractor Supply Center staff person noted on the store list, to express interest in the promotion and to explore ideas for joint promotions. An “idea sheet” is posted on the National 4-H Council website, with some ways that local 4-H programs can promote the program in the community, including on-site store events.
The timing of the promotion coincides with “Chick Days” when Tractor Supply Centers sell day-old baby chicks. This often attracts increased customers, and may spark promotional ideas.

3. Promote the program to your 4-H audiences and to the community.

4-H Cookbook Sale

We will be selling cookbooks until they are all gone. Each book costs $10 You can bring in orders and payment anytime the office is open and we will give you the books for your orders. And remember, each club who sells cookbooks will receive 50¢ per book they sell. Thank you for helping us have a safe and successful 4-H Cookbook Sale!